The Cardiff to Holyhead 'Gerald' Dining Train

There's a Premier Service train running between Cardiff and Holyhead at breakfast and dinnertime. We were invited to go ride the evening service, and experience one of the few dining trains that run in Britain.

Named '“Y Gerallt Gymro" (Gerald of Wales) the namesake was a 12th Century clergyman and historian who roamed far and wide - this service does just that.

This was filmed in September 2018 when the franchise was still Arriva Trains Wales. A few weeks later, it changed to Transport for Wales Rail Services operated by KeolisAmey Wales Cymru. The Dining 'Gerald' Train still run and hasn't changed.

Thanks hugely to ArrivaTW (Now Transport for Wales) for having us along!

[AllTheStations]

The real star of the video here is Gary, who was an absolute mega-star and brilliantly helpful and fun guard, thank you!

[davidcollins]

9:10 We would like to apologise for this train being five minutes late. This was due to a delay at Hereford while someone enjoyed slamming the doors. (Evidence provided at 6:02).


Don't like the music in this one Geoff - I LOVE IT !!!


(¿¿¿ʇuǝɯɯoɔ, ,ǝuo sᴉɥʇ uᴉ ʇuǝɹǝɟɟᴉp sʞool ᴉʞɔᴉΛ, , ǝɥʇ s, ǝɹǝɥM)

[MrLargePig]

A) there should be a "love" button, instead of "like" for this video, and B) I just had lunch, and now I'm hungry again!

[DoubleDeckerAnton]

Wow...this was a really great video Geoff and Vicky...!!!
I didn't realise we still have trains like this, which offer fantastic customer service, amazing locally sourced food and top staff like Gary!
We have a lot to learn from the Welsh...!!! 😁🔝👍

[ctb]

I travelled on this service last week from Newport to Shrewsbury, and have to say it was really good value for money (£15 upgrade from Newport to Shrewsbury normally - £9.90 with my railcard) - especially with the included 3 course meal. Food was really good and the service was very quick also as stated in the video. I’d recommend it to anyone who happens to travel on that route.

[kayleegreen]

I love Vicki's excitement shes fab

[welshrails]

It's great to see some light shined on the North Wales Coast, TFW have redone this line by this point and I'm always seeing the train go through Bangor, not only is it lovely to ride on but it's lovely to look at too

[hephzibahcole]

Hey, I love your “The Londonist” videos but I was very pleasantly surprised when I found that, in this video, you have travelled on one of the trains that I travel on everyday and have gotten off at my local station, Hereford!

[nickspruytenburg]

Very nice touch to call it the "Gerald". The manager was right- the original Gerald (a genuine Cymro) went on a tour around Wales raising money for a Crusade (maybe the 3rd) and his account tells us so much about the characters and topography of a country which he truly loved.

[mikegillard]

The music, the trains, the stations. All the stations yay!!

[imaverywhere]

Wow, you actually went on the train. Looks like a great experience! There should be more dining trains in Britain.

[neilwilliams]

On my bucket list for next year. Recall breakfast on Cardiff to London and also lunch great way to travel

[Roblilley]

The phrase "How was your sausage" makes me snigger more than it should"

[billfreeman]

Just discovered this one looks fabulous and there is nothing better than being on a train and having restaurant quality meals. Have done it twice here in Australia The Ghan and The Indian-Pacific

[Elvo]

In a world of multiple units this is a real gem, the class 67 is a great loco, pulling spacious carriages and room for bikes and prams in the DVT. I wish all cross county services were like this. Living in Shropshire I love seeing it. I hope our new opperator, Transport for Wales builds on this.

[andrewcawood]

I travelled with my mother on the exact Cardiff to Llandudno years ago and we both thought the food and the journey were great.If you have not tried this it is well worth doing. Ashame other train operators do not offer something similar.

[geraldhobbs]

Simply the BEST! Absolutely fabulous train, staff, and FOOD! The service is the best in Britain and long may it continue. We travel from Cwmbran to Chester or Llandudno - JUST for the dinner! Thank you ARRIVA and Welcome to TFW!

[LisaMarli]

I recognize that book. A copy arrived for me in an Amazon box this week. Now I need time to read it.

[joannegray]

Fascinating video. Glad to hear the new franchisee is keeping "Gerald" going. I can see this going on a lot of bucket lists.

[halcyondaystunes]

All the videos on this channel make me smile broadly while watching them but for some reason this one included warm fuzzy feelings too...what a wonderful journey and something i will definitely try one day if i can make it out of Essex ;) ....oh and Gary likes that shift the best because he gets a nice take home when he finishes :D